Saturday, January 29, 2011

The Rite Review

So, I got to go out and see The Rite, starring Anthony Hopkins and Colin O'Donoghue. From what I've read into it, it's classified as a horror thriller. Sadly, I didn't enjoy this movie as much as I should have. I'm a huge fan of Hopkins, the king of creepy, and yet I found his performance lacking. Cinematic style-wise, it was very well done, scenes carry well from one to the next and the settings range from the beautiful streets of Rome to the dark cold inner sanctum of an exorcist's chamber.


Our story begins with an introduction to our main character, Michael Kovak (played by Colin O'Donoghue), who works as an apprentice mortician under his father. As he struggles with finding his role in life, he decides to attend a seminary as it is somewhat of a tradition in his family. After a timeskip of roughly four years, we see Michael sending an email to his superior to tell him he is resigning. After witnessing Michael commend a woman's soul to god after a spontaneous car accident, his superior suggests he be sent to Rome to undertake lessons on exorcisms. Michael reluctantly accepts after being told that if his faith isn't restored after taking the class, he will be free as a bird.


Once in Rome, he still finds the idea of demonic possession to be unbelievable. His teacher sends him to meet Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins) in hopes of exposing him to a first-hand exorcism. Father Lucas explains to Michael that the devil has many ways of taking advantage of those who have lost their faith. After a haunting confrontation with an apparently posseed pregnant teenager, Michael is still skeptical of the process. Father Lucas reaffirms Michael and the story continues from there.


All in all, this movie was alright,  nothing jumps out at me as spectacular. The writing is really good, Father Lucas even goes as far as to separate the movie magic with the real deal by asking Michael, "What did you expect? Spinning heads and pea soup?" The movie just wasn't "Horror" enough for me, it was more thriller/drama than horror. There is the occasional spook every once in a while, especially near the end, but all in all it's more about the Colin O'Donoghue's character arc and the trials that go along with it. I'd watch it again, but I wouldn't suggest going to see it if you're in the mood to be scared. It get's a 3/5 for me.

14 comments:

  1. Anthony Hopkin's still got it man, I've never been a fan of horrors but I'll be sure to check it out :)

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  2. I bet Anthony Hopkins will be better as Odin in the upcoming Thor movie. At least I hope so...

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  3. I disagree tbh, Ive never been appealed by anthony hopkins.

    supporting and following bro :)

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  4. Oh dear, another one of these movies.
    Thanks for the review, I might check it out.

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  5. I haven't seen a good creepy film in a long time. Its all super blood and gore movies nowadays that dominate the theaters.

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  7. Creepy...very creepy. But then, insert an aged priest anywhere and the formula works for itself.

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  8. Well Anthony Hopkins is awesome..this movie sounds dull, a reheat of leftovers. I think I'm skipping nthis one.

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  9. I've been debating seeing this move, always appreciate a well thought out review from someone.

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  10. Ooh, dramatic. Saw posters for this is LA

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  11. I'm totally on the fence about this one. Maybe if I'm seriously bored one day.

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  12. Is it just me or has Anthony Hopkins taken on some of the strangest films recently? Awesome review nonetheless, following and supporting.

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  13. will have to check it out. Hopkins is king of creepy

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  14. Great review - Followed!

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